Wow First real drive in my new 78 sc

[jpc1818]

Hey guys. Just finished resealing and cleaning the 911 SC. I have never driven one before and they frickin rock. It moves and sounds like nothing Ive driven before. Even when I bought it, the guy lived on-top a mountain,I could only drive it less than 1/10 of a mile. It was only $5800, so I couldn't complain.

Anyway,

It smoked a bit from the exhaust at first but it has seamed to have stopped.
OK my question is: it seams that there is oil coming from the oil cooler mounted to the front of the engine. It comes from the bottom near the lower valves and it drips one drip per 5 seconds when running and less and less when its off. It eventually stops.
Is this indicative of a leak in the cooler itself, or possible something else? I have replaced the three seals that attach the cooler to the motor and the rocker shaft seal on the side of the cooler.
Does anyone know of someone who fixes these?
Or is is cheaper to buy one used/reconditioned?

Cheers, James

[rfuerst911sc]

Congratulations on the new purchase these cars are a blast to drive. Looks like you may have purchased a decent car for the money. The smoking from the tailpipe is normal for a car that has been sitting, sometimes it only takes a couple of days to get some smoke coming out. I would suggest just drive it for a while and see what happens and keep an eye on the oil level. Remember to check the oil in these cars the oil has to be up to temp,the car sitting level and with the car running at idle you check the oil level. The oil cooler leak sounds like seals need to be replaced. Good luck in the future and hold on to your wallet !!!

[AndrewMac]

Looks to me like you got a pretty good deal. Take it easy with it until you figure out what's what. The tranny oil shuold be changed and make note of how much metal is on the magentic drain plug. Shift s-l-o-w-l-y so you don't bugger a synchro.

I bought a 78SC that had been sort of treated as a weekend warrior garage queen type. I think the guy was more interested in being seen in the car than driving if for it's own sake.

I changed the oil. Had some leaks that I let annoy and worry me. Went through the 'which oil to use' debate. Started with Mobil1 10w-40....bad bad idea. Not doing the engine or me any favours. In the end I put Castrol 20-50 in it on the advice of a long time crusty old guy sports car mechanic. Still leaked a little but not as much as when I tried to use Mobil 1 . The advice of crusty old guys should always be heeded. Agfter all, in 1978 I was still riding a kick scooter and wearing size 4 shoes.

Then I checked the points, plugs, etc etc. and drove the )*^*(& out of it. Long, fast miles for hours at a time. It just kept getting better and better. Revs got consistently easier. Smoked less and less. Started easier and idled better. I concuded it was just full of crap and varnish.

Then I ran a couple of cans of Techron through it before I changed the oil again. Even better.

Your oil leaks may dissapate over time until they become tolerable. Pressure wash the engine periodically to get the oil off the heater boxes and so you can isolate the source(s) of the leak(s). It may be inevetable that you need to reseal what you can. Oil cooler seals. Maybe it needs new style oil return tubes. Probably crank seals fore and aft. Clutch plate. Check the oil cooler hoses and oil return hose. It should feel relatively soft and the clamp not tightened within an inch of its life. I doubt its the oil cooler itself. Watch the temperature guage. If the temps creep up as you drive it may have a cooler that has obstructed capillary tubes which will also elevate the oil pressure and force oil past seals etc.

Also be aware that there are two factory mods to the 1978 oil cooling system to prevent oil cavitation.

Oooohh the fun and bloody knuckles you will have. But you are clearly a glutton for punishment and pain. MGB roadster revitalized? You're a better man than I.

[jpc1818]

Tnaks guys, The Oil cooler seals are new. Mabye ill switch to the 20-50 and see what happens.After driving it for about an hour last night, 75 degrees and high humidity, the car temp was about 180 when driviing and 200 when sitting.
Is there something that can be put on the headers so that it doesnt smoke?
Cheers, James
AndrewMac, the mgb roadster was a crazy ordeal, something Ill never do again. 1

[jluetjen]

Congratulations on what looks to be a great deal. Welcome aboard!

[jpc1818]

Drove it again today for a bit. Less oil. But im still going to go for the 20 50 weight. Love this machine.
Thanks fellas

[aj88cab]

Congratulations on the new ride!

There is a good chance your leak might be coming from the top of the engine and dripping down thru the oil cooler. Oil pressure light sender and the oil thermostat o-ring are very common leaks that will drip at the location you described.

As for the start-up smoke try letting the engine idle 5- 10 seconds or until the oil level guage stabilizes before shutiing off.

Good Luck
Andrew

[jpc1818]

Thanks for the comment. Those seal are new. I replace all the seals that I could get to while the engine was out, including the cooler seals, front and rear mains, rocker shafts, valve cover seals, along with turbo covers.
Cheers, James